Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner Win Another Round in Ray J Defamation War
Developing story first seen 3 hours ago
A Los Angeles judge has refused Ray J’s attempt to dismiss Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner’s defamation lawsuit, allowing their case to continue. The ruling matters because the judge found their claims had sufficient merit to proceed and rejected Ray J’s argument that California’s anti-SLAPP law protected his statements as free speech.
Kardashian and Jenner say Ray J falsely suggested in a TMZ interview and livestream that they were, or should be, subject to a federal racketeering investigation. Judge Steven Ellis said the alleged comments could reasonably be understood as accusing them of crimes and were not shielded by litigation privilege; trial is currently scheduled for 6 March 2028. Ray J’s lawyer said he would appeal, while Ray J’s separate claim that the women breached a 2023 settlement agreement has been sent to arbitration.
- Judge allows Kardashian and Jenner’s defamation case against Ray J to proceed.
- Alleged racketeering accusations were found potentially defamatory.
- Ray J plans to appeal; related contract claims are in arbitration.
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Kim Kardashian is a television personality and businesswoman, and Kris Jenner is her mother and manager. Ray J is a singer and television figure who has had a long public association with Kardashian, including a relationship in the early 2000s.
The dispute centres on remarks Ray J allegedly made suggesting that Kardashian and Jenner could be involved in serious criminal wrongdoing. They say the comments were false and damaged their reputations, while Ray J has argued that his statements were protected free speech.
Defamation cases concern claims that false statements harmed someone’s reputation. The wider legal fight also includes a separate disagreement over a 2023 settlement agreement, which is being handled outside the court process through arbitration.
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